How Do You Say Please in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

Have you ever found yourself in Paris, the city of love and romance, and wondered how to say ‘please’ in French? Well, you’re not alone.

As a tourist, it’s essential to learn some basic French phrases to communicate effectively with locals. Learning how to say ‘please’ can be the difference between a pleasant experience or an awkward encounter.

So, how do you say ‘please’ in Paris? The French word for please is ‘s’il vous plaît.’ Pronounced as ‘see-voo-play,’ this phrase is commonly used in daily conversations and interactions.

But wait, there’s more! In French culture, politeness is highly valued. Therefore, there are different ways of saying please depending on the context and level of formality.

For instance, if you’re speaking with friends or family members or in an informal setting, you can use the phrase “s’il te plaît.” This phrase is pronounced as “see tay play” and translates to “if it pleases you” in English.

However, if you’re speaking with strangers or in a formal setting like a business meeting or at a fancy restaurant, it’s best to use “s’il vous plaît.” This phrase is pronounced as “see voo play” and translates to “if it pleases you” in English.

Now that we’ve covered how to say please let’s take a look at some scenarios where this phrase can be useful.

1. Ordering food: When ordering food at a restaurant in Paris, it’s courteous to use ‘s’il vous plaît’ when making your request. For example,’ Je voudrais un café au lait s’il vous plaît’ means ‘I would like a cafe latte please.’

2. Asking for directions: If you get lost while exploring Paris streets or need help finding your way around the city, using “s’il vous plaît” can come in handy.

For instance, ‘Excusez-moi, pouvez-vous me dire où se trouve la Tour Eiffel, s’il vous plaît?’ means ‘Excuse me, could you tell me where the Eiffel Tower is please?’

3. Shopping: When shopping in Paris, using ‘s’il vous plaît’ can help you get better service from the salesperson.

For example,’ Puis-je essayer cette robe s’il vous plaît?’ means ‘May I try on this dress please?’

In conclusion, knowing how to say ‘please’ in Paris is essential for a smooth and pleasant experience while traveling in the City of Light. Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions or shopping, using “s’il vous plaît” or “s’il te plaît” can help show your appreciation and respect for French culture and customs.